BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The City of Boston has announced expanded funding to ensure restaurants are able to purchase equipment for outdoor dining this fall and winter like heaters, storage equipment, and propane.
The new fall and winter relief opportunity is available for any restaurants in the City of Boston with under 25 employees, and which has been approved by the Licensing Board for the City of Boston to operate outdoor dining through the temporary extension permitting process.
"As we head into the cooler months, we want to support the restaurants and businesses that bring so much to our neighborhoods," said Mayor Walsh. "Restaurants have continued to face incredible challenges during this pandemic, and we remain committed to supporting them, whether it's through expanded outdoor dining, or additional funding."
Any restaurants that have not yet applied for or received funding from the Reopen Boston Fund can apply for up to $3,000 to cover reopening costs associated with outdoor dining. Restaurants who previously received Reopen Boston funds are eligible for additional funds and may re-submit an updated budget that includes fall and winter relief and does not exceed $3,000 in total.
Eligible expenses include outdoor heating equipment, including heaters, storage, and propane; Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); and outdoor seating materials like tables, chairs, barriers.
Today's fall and winter relief announcement builds on the work the Walsh Administration has undertaken to support small businesses during the City's COVID-19 response and through the reopening of our economy.
In May, Mayor Marty Walsh announced the $6 million Reopen Boston Fund, which provides debt-free grants to support the safe and healthy reopening of small businesses in Boston. To date, the City of Boston has issued more than $2.5 million in direct grants to 1,325 qualified small businesses to implement necessary public health measures and to procure PPE supplies. In total, the City of Boston has dedicated over $12.6 million in City, federal, and private funding to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
On September 15, the Licensing Board for the City of Boston issued an advisory regarding the extension of the City's Temporary Outdoor Dining Program and the use of approved heaters. Restaurants utilizing public sidewalks and parking lanes for outdoor dining may continue the approved use of those spaces until December 1st 2020, weather permitting, or until further notice or until the Boston Licensing Board issues further guidance.
Outdoor dining on private property has been extended for the duration of the COVID-19 related public health emergency. In addition, application fees will be waived for businesses that apply for a permit for outdoor propane heaters from the Boston Fire Department.
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